We have observed the existence of any of these indications, or of other strangers, it is urgent to take another step to check if we have been infected. For this, there are several alternatives including Antivirus Software. Some of them are tools built into the operating system, others are external.
The Windows 10 operating system includes
a device scan feature by default. This program performs a scan
automatically with the integrated Windows security application, also known
as Windows Defender and its objective is to detect the existence
of some of these malware programs. However, there are other ways
to analyze the equipment for peace of mind, with manual scans.
In Windows 10, these types of
operations are carried out in a simple way. The first step is to open the
Start menu and type ‘Security’. Then, you have to click on the shortcut
'Windows Security' to open it. Another alternative way is to follow the
path 'Settings> Update and security> Windows security> Open Windows
security'. At this point there is more to click on "Virus and threat
protection".
Finally, you must click on "Quick
Review". Thus, the process of scanning the system for
malware will begin. Windows Security will perform a scan and give you
the results. If any virus is found, it will offer the option to remove it
from your PC automatically.
If we do not remain calm with this
first exam, we can carry out a second review. Requesting a second
opinion is always positive and in order to carry it out we must use another
tool that complements the main one that we have already used.
There are various Antivirus 'Software' that can help
us get that second opinion. One of them, which combines very well with
Windows Security, is Malwarebytes (although there are
many). With a program of these characteristics an extra layer of
security is provided in our computer . This program, like other
similar ones, offers a free version that allows you to perform manual scans to
check for viruses or other types of 'malware'. There is also a paid
version that offers real-time protection. However, if what we want is to
examine the computer to see if we have been infected by a virus, in general,
the free versions are sufficient.
If we have Windows 7 installed on our computer , we must bear in mind that it does not have any type of antivirus incorporated. Of course, it is possible to download a free one, from the official Microsoft Security Essentials page . This software will allow us to run an analysis to see if we have a virus on our computer and offers protection similar to the Windows Defender security software built into Windows 10.
If after conducting the exam, the
antivirus with which we have worked confirms the existence of malware, but has
problems to eliminate it, we can try to kill it through an analysis in
'Safe' mode. Another option is to reset Windows to its default state and
erase everything at once.
And What about MacOS?
Despite the rumors, macOS devices
are also vulnerable. Therefore, it is important to keep security at the
proper level.
The most important and easiest way to
keep your Mac safe from 'malware' is to keep your operating system
and all your applications up to date. System updates correct security
vulnerabilities, so if it is not up to date a virus will have it easier to
enter. System updates also update X-Protect, Mac's 'antimalware' software,
which provides system-level protection against common viruses. Plus, the
Mac App Store makes managing updates pretty easy, by putting system updates and
updates to many of your apps in one place.
If we suspect that a virus has jumped
the first line of defense and infected our device, we can resort, as with
Windows, to external tools . In this case, we also have
Malwarebytes Mac, among others, for the occasional scan for malware. That
way, if it is infected, we can find out quickly and easily to act accordingly.
Other surveillance tools are designed to be always on. One example is Sophos , which is free for private users and has a very good reputation . It can be heavy on system resources, but it's good if you want to detect potential infections in real time.
Whether you are
Windows or Mac, with a few simple guidelines, you will ensure that your
devices are safe from the attacks of evil viruses.
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